Power rushing coming back in these NFL playoffs – Ben Volin – Volin has his “On Football” column this morning and writes that this year’s playoff field has an old-fashioned feel, noting that several teams have been relying on a powerful running game behind fullbacks, extra offensive linemen, and blocking tight ends.

Patriots make no changes because of snow – Shalise Manza Young – Manza Young files her notebook this morning, which leads off noting that despite the snowstorm, the team had scheduled a rookie meeting at 7:30 a.m. Friday morning. That left veterans like Aqib Talib joking that he would be staying at the hotel at Patriot Place, which is within walking distance from the team facility.

The Chatham Report: Bye week is good thing – Matt Chatham – Chatham has his weekly report, and writes that the bye week is something this team desperately needs after their roster has endured even more anguish this season.

Patriots have Hulk Hogan under their belt – Mark Daniels – Hulk Hogan mentioned the Patriots in a video on his Facebook page yesterday, including mentioning Matthew Mulligan, which the tight end thought was pretty cool.

Pats work on (snow)ball control – Jeff Howe – Howe files his notebook this morning, which leads off with the team taking advantage of the messy conditions to work on ball control.

Groupings: Usage of TE, FB increasing – Mike Reiss – Reiss looks at the different personnel groupings the Patriots have been using recently, which has included straying away from their most prevalent grouping, the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB against the Bills and Ravens.

Possible playoff opponents: Chiefs – Field Yates – Yates looks at the Kansas City Chiefs, who will visit Foxboro if they beat the Colts and San Diego defeats Cincinnati this weekend.

Possible playoff opponents: Chiefs – Mike Reiss – Reiss has some thoughts on some potential Patriots opponents, as well as some good insight about many different players on each roster.

Patriots to be tuned in this weekend – Glen Farley – Farley writes that the situation the Patriots faced last weekend bordered along the lines of a must-win. That now leaves them this weekend with a must-watch when it comes to the Wild Card games, which several players admitted they’d be tuned in.